Self-Care Journaling

For over fifty years I wrote in journals for many reasons, including composing story ideas and poetry, documenting my life, and dealing with all the problems of my career. This shelf of journals represents just a couple years of that habit.

Giving my shy self a place to safely vent was a big help. I loved it, and it was an excellent means of self-care, but I stopped hand writing in journals some time ago because of my arthritis, which makes it difficult to hold a pen.

As my first step on the wellness path I decided to invest in a beautiful handmade art journal and start journaling again. I'm focusing on documenting my self-care routines and how well they work versus griping about others. I know it's a safe place for me but I also want it to be a joyous place. Sort of like an anti-toxic people fortress into which I can retreat, if that makes sense.

So far I'm doing okay with the hand-writing, but if that becomes difficult again I'll type my entries on the computer, print them out and add them to the pages. It's not really about how one journals, but having the habit of doing so.

I love beautiful papers, art stickers and all the fun things one can do with a paper journal. Already I'm noticing an uptick in my personal happiness now that I've reclaimed this habit.

What does it take to start journaling? A blank book, a notebook, or a handmade art journal like mine that you purchase or make yourself (there are plenty of online tutorials if you want to go that route), and a pen or pencil. Set aside a time every day when you can write in your journal, and let yourself enjoy that as quiet self-care time.

If you're worried about others reading what you've written in your journal, I understand. I've actually destroyed about 75% of the journals I've written since 1974 because I didn't want anyone else to read them or use them for profit-generating purposes after my death. It's hard to destroy hand-written journals, but it's also a good habit to get into if you want to protect your privacy.